CVE-2024-27878 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically addressed in macOS Sonoma 14.6. The vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the operating system, classified under CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow). An application running with root privileges can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code at the kernel privilege level, effectively escalating its privileges beyond the root user to the kernel itself. This escalation could allow an attacker to bypass security controls, manipulate system processes, or install persistent malware with the highest system privileges. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.5, reflecting a medium severity level, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), high privileges required (PR:H), and user interaction required (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited current exploitation. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patch release. The fix involves improved memory handling to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Given the requirement for root privileges and user interaction, exploitation is constrained to scenarios where an attacker already has significant system access or can trick a privileged user into executing malicious code.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-27878 can be significant, particularly in sectors relying on macOS for critical operations such as finance, government, technology, and research. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive data, disrupt services, or implant persistent threats at the kernel level. This could result in data breaches, operational downtime, and loss of trust. The requirement for root privileges limits the threat to insider threats, compromised accounts, or sophisticated attackers who have already gained elevated access. However, once exploited, the attacker gains full control over the system, potentially affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical assets. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits post-disclosure. European organizations with macOS deployments should be vigilant, especially those with high-value data or regulatory compliance obligations such as GDPR.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to version Sonoma 14.6 or later to apply the official patch that fixes this vulnerability. 2. Restrict the use of applications with root privileges to only those that are absolutely necessary and trusted. 3. Implement strict access controls and monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized elevation to root privileges. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation or kernel-level code execution. 5. Educate privileged users on the risks of executing untrusted code or applications, emphasizing the requirement for user interaction in exploitation. 6. Regularly audit systems for unauthorized root-level applications or suspicious processes. 7. Consider deploying macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and mandatory code signing to reduce attack surface. 8. Maintain robust incident response plans to quickly contain and remediate any detected exploitation attempts.